Black-tie ceremony honoring outstanding North Carolinians in the arts, literature, public service and science, with dinner, drinks and live entertainment.
The North Carolina Awards are coming to the Lenovo Center on Tuesday, November 17, at 7 PM. It's the state's highest civilian honor, created by the General Assembly in 1961 to recognize outstanding achievement in fine arts, literature, public service and science. More than 300 North Carolinians have been honored since then, including Maya Angelou, James Taylor, Lee Smith, Eric Church and Branford Marsalis. The governor presents the award, and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources administers it.
The 2026 honorees cover a wide stretch of the state's cultural and civic life. In literature, Jason Mott, a UNC Wilmington MFA graduate and author of novels including Hell of a Book. In public service, NASCAR legend Richard Petty, the most decorated driver in history with 200 career wins; Lt. Gen. Kevin Vereen, who retired after 36 years in the Army; and NC State chancellor Dr. Randy Woodson, who led the university through a $2 billion fundraising campaign. In science, paleontologist Dr. Lindsay Zanno. And in fine arts, Beverly McIver.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Raleigh and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
It's a black-tie affair with drinks, dinner and live entertainment. Every ticket sold goes to two charities that support veterans and military families, Blue Star Families and Camp Corral, as part of America's 250th celebration. The ceremony is at the Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., West Raleigh, Raleigh, NC 27607, starting at 7 PM on Tuesday, November 17. Tickets are $250 and up.
